Dawn Patrol: Charges in double fatal, weather cools
Walsh takes heat for calling Obama “son”
An online civil rights group is accusing Congressman Joe Walsh of stroking “racial fears” by referring to President Barack Obama as “son” during a weekend Busse Woods picnic. Walsh said the group, ColorOfChange, it could “grow up, get a life and smile.” Walsh urged the organization to “focus on what's important. Full story.
Kane County mosque plans face new vote
The owners of a Kane County farm near Carpentersville have filed a formal protest about the pending conversion of a home into a mosque, which will require 20 of the county boards 26 members to vote in favor of the project for it to pass the protest. Although the mosque's plan has cleared the county's zoning board and development committee, the protest cites safety concerns and will prove to be an attendance test for county board members. Full story.
Quinn thinks pension reform compromise possible before Aug. 17
A top aid for Gov. Pat Quinn says talks over cuts to the state's retirement plans continue “every day”, and the governor thinks a compromise can be found before lawmakers head back to Springfield Aug. 17. “There can be resolution to this next week if people decide to resolve it,” Quinn budget director Jerry Stermer in a meeting with the Daily Herald. Lawmakers are seeking to find a solution to the state's $83 billion in pension debt. Full story.
Lawn jockey in front of Barrington shop sparks controversy
A lawn jockey statue displayed in front of a Barrington antique shop has sparked debate over whether it's a racist caricature or it honors the positive role such objects supposedly played in marking houses participating in the Underground Railroad. The owner of the shop cites the object's historic significance, while critics say it is racially insensitive. Full story.
Man charged a month after double fatal crash
A 20-year-old man has been charged with street racing and leaving the scene of a fatal crash more than a month after a single vehicle crash killed two 16-year-olds from Woodstock. Dan L. Huber left the scene of the crash during the early morning hours of July 1 without coming to the victims' aid or calling 911, according to police. He was arrested on Wednesday and is being held on $100,000 bail. Full story.
Three injured, one severely, in Wheaton crash
A man was severely hurt and airlifted from the scene of a two-vehicle accident in Wheaton Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Two other people in the second vehicle also suffered significant injuries and were taken to an area hospital. Fire officials who responded to the scene at the intersection of Roosevelt and Shaffner Roads said the man who was airlifted is expected to survive his injuries. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 73 degrees when you head out this morning, but thunderstorms are expected to roll in later, bringing cool weather with it. The high this afternoon is only expected to be 76 degrees, then dip to 63 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Lake Street between Butterfield Riad and Brainerd Avenue in Libertyville. Lane blockages possible through November. Full story.
White Sox suffering aches and pains
Just as the White Sox pitching staff looks set for the stretch run, the team's regulars look to be feeling the wear and tear of the season. Paul Konerko has a mild concussion suffered in Tuesday night's matchup. On Tuesday center fielder Alejandro De Aza sat out his second straight game with lower-back stiffness and third baseman Kevin Youkilis took the night off due to a sore right knee. Both were back in the lineup Wednesday. Full story.
Cubs swept, drop game to Padres 2-0
Pitcher Clayton Richard threw a five-hitter and the San Diego Padres swept the Chicago Cubs with a 2-0 win on Wednesday. Richard held the Cubs to five singles and pitched out of trouble three times to hand Chicago its eighth straight loss. Full story.
Are you ready for some football?
There won't be much time to focus on the Bears starters in tonight's preseason opener vs. the Broncos at Soldier Field because they won't be out there very long. But backups will get a longer look in order to put pressure on starters whose positions aren't assured, and the depth chart could change based on individual performances. While most of the team is already set, there are a lot of players scrambling for the bottom few spots on the 53-man roster and the eight-man practice squad. Full story.